Author: Amanda Scott

  • Back to the future: restoring threatened metapopulations on the Lizard Peninsula

    Species Recovery Programme 2023/2024 The Natural England National Nature Reserve (NNR) team on The Lizard in Cornwall have been successful in securing £216k of Species Recovery Programme funding to support […]

  • The story of The Lizard’s Choughs

    Choughs are among the most iconic birds of The Lizard. Locals and visitors alike love to see them, feeding in the short turf of the coast or soaring in the […]

  • Nightjar

    Nightjar

    Summer visitors to the UK, the churring call of the male nightjar is an iconic sound of warm heathland evenings. Photo: © Natural England/Allan Drewitt

  • Flora of The Lizard in summer

    A small selection of some of the wonderful plants you are likely to spot in the summer in some of the different habitats across The Lizard.

  • History in the landscape

    Wild it may be, but humans have played their part in creating the heathland landscapes of The Lizard, from prehistory to the Second World War buildings of Goonhilly Downs and […]

  • Birds and other animals

    The Lizard is a special place for birdwatchers. There are many resident species to see – from the iconic red-legged, red-billed Chough to soaring Skylarks. The Lizard’s southerly location on […]

  • Botanical riches

    The Lizard is one of the most botanically biodiverse regions in the UK. Why? Well, to a large part because The Lizard has a unique geology. Large areas comprise a […]

  • Blackcap

    Blackcap

    We are more used to seeing Blackcaps in the summer months, but increasing numbers now overwinter in the UK. Photo: Ron Knight (via Wikimedia Commons)

  • Birds to see on and around The Lizard in summer

    The Lizard is home to a broad selection of birds of sea, woodland, field and open moor. 

  • Conserving Marsh Fritillaries on The Lizard

    Conserving Marsh Fritillaries on The Lizard

    The Lizard is home to one of the UK’s rarest butterflies: the beautiful Marsh Fritillary.  Sadly, habitat destruction and agricultural intensification have, over the years, had serious consequences for the […]

  • Hairy Beech Gall

    Hairy Beech Gall

    Hairy Beech Galls, induced by a parasitic gall-midge, are one of the galls found on our native Beech trees. Head to our section on invertebrates to find out more. Photo: […]

  • Stoat

    Stoat

    Windmill Farm is a good place to see Stoats. Photo: Richard Birchett

  • Hairy Beech Gall

    Hairy Beech Gall

    In late summer into autumn, you may see small cylindrical growths on Beech leaves. These are made by the gall midge Hartigiola annulipes. Look out for them when exploring the […]

  • Silk Button Gall

    Silk Button Gall

    Silk Button Galls, induced by a parasitic wasp, are one of the many kinds of galls found on our native oak trees. Head to our section on invertebrates to find […]

  • Carrion Crow

    Carrion Crow

    Carrion Crows can be seen throughout the year. All too often maligned in popular culture, these are amazing and intelligent birds. Photo: © Natural England/Julian Dowse

  • Pale Butterwort

    Pale Butterwort

    A paler, smaller version of Common Butterwort, the Pale Butterwort is harder to find, but worth the search. Crousa Downs is a good place to look. Photo: Kate Dalziel